Educação ambiental e coleta seletiva: uma revisão bibliográfica aobre os resíduos e suas relações com o ensino de Química.

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze the existing scientific production on urban solid waste, environmental education, and Chemistry teaching, based on a qualitative bibliographic review, seeking to understand the main theoretical approaches and contributions of these studies to scientific and citizen education. The research is characterized as a qualitative bibliographic review based on the analysis of books, scientific articles, legislation, and institutional documents published in national and international databases. The results showed that the increasing generation of urban solid waste is directly related to population growth, urbanization, and excessive consumption, leading to several environmental impacts, such as soil and water contamination, greenhouse gas emissions, and ecosystem degradation. It was observed that the chemical processes involved in the decomposition of organic matter, leachate formation, and the persistence of materials such as plastics and metals are essential for understanding the environmental consequences of improper waste disposal. The review also demonstrated that selective waste collection, the 3Rs Policy (Reduce, Reuse and Recycle), and the National Solid Waste Policy are important strategies to mitigate these impacts. Furthermore, it was found that environmental education integrated with Chemistry teaching promotes the contextualization of scientific content, encourages scientific literacy, and fosters attitudes focused on environmental preservation. It is concluded that the integration of scientific knowledge, environmental education, and proper urban solid waste management represents a fundamental strategy for developing critical and environmentally responsible citizens committed to building a sustainable society.